Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, creamy casserole bubbling away in the oven, and Million Dollar Chicken Casserole brings all the flavors of luxury to your dinner table without the hefty price tag. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich, cheesy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and buttery Ritz crackers for a meal that's as indulgent as it is easy to make.

this Recipe

I first made this casserole on a night when I needed something quick but memorable. With just a handful of pantry staples, I managed to create a dinner that had my family asking for seconds—and it's been in our meal rotation ever since! Ready to fall in love with this casserole? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Get ready to have a new favorite casserole recipe. This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole isn’t just flavorful—it’s a cozy, satisfying meal that you can whip up any night of the week.

First, it's incredibly simple to make. With minimal prep and no complicated steps, this recipe is perfect for even the busiest weeknights. Just mix the ingredients, layer it in a baking dish, and pop it in the oven—dinner practically makes itself!

Another bonus? It's family-friendly and affordable. You don’t need any fancy ingredients, and you can even use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken for added convenience. It's an ideal way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

This casserole is also adaptable. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your family's taste, adding extra spices, more cheese, or even tossing in some veggies. It’s one of those recipes that you can customize and make truly your own.

Lastly, that buttery Ritz cracker topping is a show-stopper. It adds the perfect crispy finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy chicken mixture underneath. If you’re looking for an unforgettable meal that’s easy to prepare, this is the one!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole lies in its simple but rich ingredients. Each element plays a role in creating that creamy, “million-dollar” flavor that will have you going back for seconds.

• Chicken: I recommend using cooked, shredded chicken to save time. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, but you can also use boiled or baked chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand.
• Cream Cheese: This is the heart of the creamy base, giving it a smooth, indulgent texture. Full-fat cream cheese brings the best flavor, but reduced-fat versions work if you’re looking to cut back on calories.
• Sour Cream: Adds tang and depth to the casserole, balancing out the richness of the cream cheese. You could substitute Greek yogurt for a similar effect with extra protein.
• Mayonnaise: This might sound unusual, but a bit of mayo helps to bind everything together while adding an extra layer of creaminess. You’ll hardly taste it in the final dish, but you’ll miss it if you leave it out!
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the way to go, as it brings a deliciously savory kick that cuts through the creaminess. You could also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Colby Jack if you want a milder flavor.
• Ritz Crackers: Crushed Ritz crackers make the perfect topping. Their buttery, crumbly texture complements the creamy casserole and gives a satisfying crunch. You can also substitute with crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free option.

No special equipment is needed, just a mixing bowl and a baking dish! This dish is all about making the most of everyday ingredients for a rich, satisfying dinner.

How To Make This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Creating this mouthwatering casserole is straightforward, even if you’re new to casseroles. Let’s walk through it step-by-step for a foolproof meal.

1. Prep the Oven and Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent any sticking, which will make serving (and cleaning up) easier.
2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat these together until smooth, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture forms the creamy, tangy base that will bind the casserole.
3. Add the Chicken: Fold in the shredded chicken until it’s evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Try to make sure every piece is coated, as this is what gives the casserole its moist and delicious texture.
4. Layer and Top: Spoon the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Then, sprinkle a generous layer of crushed Ritz crackers over the top. For extra buttery goodness, drizzle a small amount of melted butter over the cracker topping—this step is optional but highly recommended!
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving; this will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.

In under 45 minutes, you’ll have a bubbly, golden casserole that’s ready to delight everyone at the table. This recipe tastes like a cozy, home-cooked meal that took hours to make!

Storage Options

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To keep the topping crisp, reheat it in the oven rather than the microwave if possible.
• Freeze: This casserole also freezes beautifully. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: When ready to serve again, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. You may want to add a bit of extra cheese or crackers on top to refresh the texture.

With its easy storage options, this casserole is ideal for planning ahead or sharing with friends and family.

Variations and Substitutions

This casserole is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few ways to customize it.

• Spice It Up: For a bit of kick, add a teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream mixture. You could also toss in some diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Add Vegetables: Try stirring in some cooked veggies like broccoli, spinach, or peas. They’ll add color, flavor, and extra nutrients, making it a one-dish meal.
• Switch Up the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of sharp cheddar, swap it out for mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a smoky gouda. Each one will bring a slightly different flavor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers or panko crumbs for the topping, and ensure your mayonnaise and cream cheese are gluten-free as well.
• Try with Turkey or Ham: This is a great recipe for using up leftover holiday turkey or ham. Just swap out the chicken, and you’ll have a delicious casserole with a twist.

No matter how you customize it, this casserole will turn out comforting and creamy every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the kind of recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s affordable, easy, and endlessly customizable—a true comfort food gem. So next time you’re in need of a meal that’s guaranteed to impress, give this casserole a try. You’ll be hooked on that creamy, cheesy goodness from the very first bite!

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